AMES, Ia. — And now Iowa State’s basketball roster starts to take shape. On Monday, Dec. 3, Cameron Lard and Zoran Talley are sprung from the suspensions that had them benched for seven games, and just like that, Steve Prohm’s eight-scholarship roster jumps to 10.

Sometime later — likely mid-December (and not before the Iowa game) — starting point guard Lindell Wigginton will return, along with starting big Solomon Young, and 10 will become a dozen.

“I know that’s the big monkey in the room, the elephant in the room — what all the questions are about,” Prohm said after Monday’s game. “The way we’re playing now, from the standpoint of playing small at times, has been really good.

“Cameron is a guy that can step in and help us. Zoran brings some things to the table. If everybody buys in, then everything will work out. If you can be selfless, it’ll all work out.”

That’s the NCAA Tournament question:

If team chemistry is as good on Jan. 2, when Iowa State opens Big 12 Conference play at Oklahoma State, as it is now — then this team can be a top four conference finisher. If not?

Prohm isn’t even thinking along those terms, and neither are the players.

“I don’t really know how things change,” Mike Jacobson said after scoring 13 points and grabbing 10 rebounds Monday. “I don’t have an answer for you. We’re excited to get those guys back — to get a little more depth in the lineup.”

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Iowa State's Marial Shayok shoots the ball during the Iowa State men's basketball game against Omaha on Monday, Nov. 26, 2018, at Hilton Coliseum, in Ames. (Photo11: Kelsey Kremer/The Register)

Prohm was asked the question before last week’s trip to the Maui Invitational, in which the Cyclones won two of three games while finishing fifth among a very good tournament field. He was asked the question on the podium in Maui. He was asked again Monday.

Just what changes when the roster expands on Dec. 3?

“You first coach the guys you’ve got. Then, when you get new guys, you coach those guys,” Prohm said. "We haven’t played big. What are we going to do, defensively and offensively, if we play big?

“We’ll probably all see it for the first time together. We haven’t had a reason to play big, nor have we had the ability to play big.”

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Iowa State's Tyrese Haliburton makes a three-pointer during the Iowa State men's basketball game against Omaha on Monday, Nov. 26, 2018, at Hilton Coliseum, in Ames. (Photo11: Kelsey Kremer/The Register)

How much do 6-9s Jacobson and Lard play at the same time?

As much as needed, probably.

Does Lard return immediately to the starting lineup?

Not immediately, probably.

What happens when Wigginton returns?

That’s a ways away, but Tyrese Haliburton has played well as the star point guard’s replacement. On Monday, the freshman made 6 of 7 shots en route to a career-high 16 points. His solid statistical line included four assists, three steals, a blocked shot and no turnovers in 35 minutes.

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Iowa State's Tyrese Haliburton celebrates after scoring and drawing a foul during the Iowa State men's basketball game against Omaha on Monday, Nov. 26, 2018, at Hilton Coliseum, in Ames. Kelsey Kremer/The Register

Iowa State's Talen Horton-Tucker brings the ball down the court during the Iowa State men's basketball game against Omaha on Monday, Nov. 26, 2018, at Hilton Coliseum, in Ames. Kelsey Kremer/The Register

Iowa State's Tyrese Haliburton celebrates after making a three-pointer during the Iowa State men's basketball game against Omaha on Monday, Nov. 26, 2018, at Hilton Coliseum, in Ames. Kelsey Kremer/The Register

“I want him to shoot open shots — and shoot good shots,” Prohm said. “I was proud of him responding from getting back from Maui (on Thursday) and playing well. He brings a lot of energy. He’s got a charismatic personality that I like and I think the fans also like.”

During Wigginton’s absence, he’s shown that he can play. He can run the point. He can play off-guard. He’s a solid defender. Even when Wigginton returns, he’ll get his minutes.

Just like I’m sure Prohm will figure a way for both Jacobson and Lard to co-exist in the same lineup, too.

“I like this team,” Prohm said. “I think they like each other. The biggest thing is, can we be selfless? Can we play for Iowa State?”

Iowa State columnist Randy Peterson has been with the Register for parts of five decades. Randy writes opinion and analysis of Iowa State football and basketball. You can reach Randy at rpeterson@dmreg.com or on Twitter at @RandyPete.